My first blog posting was on April 16, 2013, so today marks the completion of two years of blogging. Tomorrow, I will embark upon year number three. What has been accomplished through this site over the last two years? Sometimes I think very little has been accomplished by my written word, but every once in a while I get surprised by an e-mail or a telephone call in response to one of my postings. I have found this to be especially pertinent when I write about pain and suffering. People are certainly yearning for hope in the difficult moments of life. While many of you have expressed a hesitancy to post a comment in the public section of the blog, you have shared your thoughts with me personally. I truly appreciate the feedback and the conversations we share whether done privately or in the public forum.

I had been snowed in at home for a couple of days when my son suggested that I start a blog back in April of 2013. My technological expertise is rather limited, but he assured me that he could get it up and going and teach me how to do it. This old dog really was able to learn a new trick. Eventually, I even learned how to post pictures. Look at me now. Did you know a smart phone can take pictures? It comes in handy to take pictures wherever I go now. I am not quite sure how a picture will be used when I snap it, but eventually I make it work. This has helped my creativity. Who knew?

In all seriousness, I have one simple thought in mind as I write. I want to process the news of the day or some other significant event--current or historical--and put it into the context of our faith journey. In what ways am I able to articulate hope? When it seems like our Christian values are being discarded and trampled upon, how can I bring a message of hope through the cynicism and despair? Am I successful at this endeavor? Based upon the statistics of my readership, I am more successful at times than others. Trying to figure out what grabs the attention of people has been a challenge. Why do people choose to read a posting one day but not another? I am not sure. Thus, I pose the following questions to you and ask for your input:

1. What topics would you like covered on a more frequent basis?2. What do you like about the blog? Please be specific.3. What do you dislike about the blog? Please be specific and KIND.4. What suggestions do you have for improvement?

You can write your comments in the public area below. You can just use a first name when you sign in if you don't want your full name to appear. Although you have to enter an e-mail address to comment, please know that your e-mail address does not appear anywhere on the site. If you don't feel comfortable with any of that but still want to provide your input, feel free to e-mail me privately.

The overall goal is to spread the Good News of Salvation. May all of us do that well in our particular circumstances of life. If I am able to do it better and more effectively than what I am currently doing through this particular venue I want to make those necessary adjustments. Your opinions and suggestions will be graciously welcomed.

Author

This is my personal blog. The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers. This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.